Kia Optima (2011-2015) Android 15 Car Stereo Head Unit

Exceptional customer support

Package arrived in 2 days, beautifully boxed. I had a slight issue identifying the correct wire for the steering wheel controls on the base model loom. Messaged SyncSonic support on WhatsApp, and they sent me a clear photo diagram instantly.

Pure digital audio output for my sub

I built a custom sound system for my Optima. I used the optical TOSLINK output straight into a DSP amp in the boot. The audio signal is completely pure digital. Absolutely zero alternator whine.

USB ports routed nicely

The provided dual USB cables were long enough to route straight down into the lower storage cubby where the original factory USB/AUX ports are. Keeps my flash drives completely hidden.

Android 15 is exceptionally stable

Running live OBD2 engine telemetry via Torque over Bluetooth, streaming HD music, and running Waze simultaneously on the A18 PRO model. The system hasn't crashed or hung up a single time.

Solid mounting hardware

The new fascia clips securely into the original factory mounting holes. The screen is rock solid and doesn't vibrate or shake at all over rough UK country roads. Very well manufactured plastic.

Highly responsive touchscreen

The capacitive glass feels premium, just like an iPad. Swiping through the app drawer and pinching to zoom on satellite maps is incredibly fluid without any frustrating ghosting or delay.

Massive 128GB local storage

Downloaded massive offline map areas for a European road trip, plus gigabytes of downloaded Netflix shows for when parked. The eMMC storage is very fast and I still have tons of space left over.

Flawless GPS lock

The magnetic GPS receiver works flawlessly. I mounted it right underneath the plastic top dash cover near the center air vents. It locks onto 15+ satellites instantly with zero dropouts.

The X73 PRO 360 camera is brilliant for a long saloon

The Optima is a surprisingly long car. Fitted the 360-degree cameras with the X73 tier. The top-down view makes parallel parking and reversing out of my tight driveway absolutely effortless.

A6 PRO base model is incredible value

I didn't need 4G or crazy RAM for my daily driver, just wanted Wireless CarPlay. The A6 PRO quad-core handles it perfectly. Very cost-effective way to get modern navigation.

Wireless Android Auto is flawless

I jump in, and my Samsung links up wirelessly in about 5 seconds. No messing around with cables tangling around the gear stick. Rock solid connection that hasn't dropped once on my daily commute.

Split screen is perfect on a 9-inch display

The widescreen aspect ratio is practically made for split-screen. I have Google Maps running on the driver's side of the screen, and my Spotify playlist on the passenger side. Incredibly functional layout.

Bluetooth calls are crystal clear

The 1.7 CRDi diesel engine can be a bit noisy. Mounted the supplied clip-on microphone up by the sun visor. Callers say they can hear me perfectly at 70mph on the M62; the echo cancellation on the Bluetooth 5.0 chip is stellar.

Installation is very straightforward

Taking the Optima dashboard apart is actually very easy, you just pop off the surrounding trim piece with a plastic pry tool and undo the screws holding the radio in. The actual stereo wiring is strictly plug-and-play. Very rewarding DIY.

4G LTE slot is highly convenient

Bought the A18 PRO and popped a cheap data SIM card into the slot located in the glovebox harness. The car now has its own permanent internet connection. Never have to hotspot my phone again.

Zero lag with 8GB RAM (X73 PRO)

I went for the highest spec version. Bouncing between Waze, Apple CarPlay, and split-screen Android apps is buttery smooth. The Octa-Core processor handles heavy GPS rendering without breaking a sweat.

Infinity sound system works flawlessly

My premium model Optima came with the factory Infinity amp and subwoofer. I selected the CANbus option during checkout, and it retained the factory amplifier perfectly. The sound quality is immense and didn't require rewiring the speakers.

Fantastic anti-glare IPS panel

The Optima has a heavily raked windscreen that lets in a ton of glare. The anti-reflective coating on this screen is excellent, keeping Google Maps completely visible and readable even on bright summer days.

Instant boot is brilliant

I turn the key in the ignition and by the time I have my seatbelt on, the screen is awake and Wireless CarPlay is connected. No annoying 30-second Android loading screens every time I get in the car.

A massive upgrade for motorway commuting

I use the Optima for lots of motorway driving across the UK. Popping a 4G SIM card into the A18 PRO unit means I have Waze running with live traffic, while Spotify streams seamlessly. Never drops the connection. Game changer.

Steering wheel buttons retained instantly

Plugged the main block in, went into the steering wheel control app, and mapped my volume, track skipping, and phone answer buttons instantly. The Kia resistive steering wheel controls work perfectly without needing a complex CANbus box for the base audio models.

Great unit, retained factory reverse camera

The stereo plug-and-play aspect is flawless. My 'Tech' model had the factory camera. With a little wiring trick and adapter, I routed the video feed directly to this massive 9-inch screen instead of the small OEM nav. Looks fantastic.

Red illumination matching is spot on!

My biggest pet peeve with aftermarket radios is mismatched button colours. You can tune the RGB lights on the side of this unit to the exact Kia red. At night, it blends into the center console flawlessly with the rest of the climate dials.

Absolutely transforms the Optima interior

The original red-screen stereo in my 2013 Optima was showing its age. This 9-inch screen cleans up the dashboard beautifully. The dark plastic fascia matches the factory Kia trim perfectly and keeps the sporty, driver-angled look. Highly recommend this for any owner.